Senator Antoine Thompson Holds Annual Parade To Honor Veterans

Buffalo, NY- For the second year New York State Senator Antoine Thompson (D-parts of Erie & Niagara counties) pays tribute to members of the military, both past and present by hosting a Veterans Day Parade. The parade started at the intersection of Summer and Delaware in downtown Buffalo and eventually made its way down to Niagara Square.

Leading the parade was State Senator Antoine Thompson, along with this year’s Grand Marshals, Judge Robert Russell Jr. and Colonel Patrick J. Cunningham. Prior to last year’s parade the city of Buffalo had not hosted a Veteran’s Day parade in more than 35 years.

“This is a time for all of us to come together and say thank you to not only our Veterans from all wars, but it’s also a time to say thank you to our troops who are currently fighting for our continued freedom,” said Senator Thompson.

Nearly 50 groups participated in the 2010 Buffalo Veterans Day Parade, including the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., a non-profit service organization supporting each other and their children while promoting patriotism.

“On behalf of the Buffalo/Niagara NY Chapter #7, I would like to say thank you to our veterans. We were happy and honored to participate in the parade and look forward to participating next year, where I hope we will have an even greater turnout. I also look forward to serving veterans, active troops and their families in the future,” said Catherine Chapman, President of the Buffalo/Niagara chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America.

As someone who sits on the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee in the New York State Senate, Senator Thompson is dedicated to celebrating valiant men and women in our country who have and continue to make sacrifices for all of us.